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- Jan 18, 2007
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- 34,005
Look into a FISKARS, cheap,strong and sharp.
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I need a good folding saw to go with my bravo-1
- Thread starter Tuffblade
- Start date
- Joined
- Sep 15, 1999
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- 3,319
I know the Silky saws are supposed to be really good, and I'll probably get one of the larger ones eventually, but the Fiskars weighs only 3 ounces. The lightest Silky saw is about twice that. I suppose the Silky would be worth the extra weight and expense if you plan to use the saw extensively (and assuming it's that much better.) For a "just in case" saw the Fiskars weighs almost nothing. I carried my Fiskars all last Summer. I used it once. I carry a saw way more than I actually use it. Weight matters. Fiskars for me.
- Joined
- Feb 9, 2008
- Messages
- 1,397
I was just wondering, everyone say get the large teeth. Do most of you live in Spruce, Pine, Fir woodland or hardwood foresr of Oak, Hickory, Ash, Walnut? Do you think it would make a difference. Pat
- Joined
- Jun 19, 2006
- Messages
- 103
I get good use out of paring a Silky 130 Pocketboy XL-teeth with a Koster Bushcraft. :thumbup:
For a lightweight/inexpensive-backup, the Gerber/Fiskars Retractable more than pulls its weight (teamed with a Mora 510, of course!
).
Silky PB130 has solid lockup, with no noticeable bladeplay (may be loosened/tightened); teeth are very sharp and go through material much faster than the Fiskars, even though the blade is shorter. It also comes with a plastic case with included belt attachment option; blades are interchangeable, for new sharpness, or different XS-XL sized teeth. I think Dale (or someone), in another thread, said their Silky 130 felt like a real quality tool, and I would agree.
Pocketboy 170 might be a consideration, balancing if you'd like a little extra length and how you'll be carrying it, more or less. I would have gotten one of these, if the store I ordered from stocked them, but I don't feel the least bit under-sawed
Fiskars packs up in less space & weight (I believe, not sure, approx half-weight of Silky 130). I've never been disappointed with it, and have got plenty of good use out of it; although it has taken a backseat since receiving the Silkies, and I was always conscious not to push it. Teeth do not seem as sharp, doesn't start a cut as easily, and are not impulse-hardened tips. Lockup is far from solid, but being retractable, it won't collapse on your fingers. Slight trade-off in time/energy invested vs speed of cut.
In a woods kit, the Fiskars retractable saw and a Mora weigh less than a Leatherman Wave, and seem to get more use in that situation, for me personally. Fiskars is very inexpensive at $10 shipped, and I would suggest that to begin with/in addition, until you really lock in on what would work.
Fiskars Folding saw, as opposed to Retractable, I view much less favorably, and would not personally recommend; construction seems more solid, but greater difficulty in starting and completing cuts, with a coarse/ragged finish. Seemingly much less effective at a greater size/weight.
The Opinel saw Powernoodle posted has been catching my eye for a long time now, too! I will need to remember to capture one, one day. Not sure where to find that version, and not the larger one at SMKW. It definitely is the looker of the bunch, and the one most likely to gain character quickly from modification, use, or otherwise; lightweight, I'd guess. Unfortunately, the idea of your blade/saw getting wet and swelling into effectively locked in closed position is not favorable, and would likely use this one in a backup role, just because I like it :foot:
For a lightweight/inexpensive-backup, the Gerber/Fiskars Retractable more than pulls its weight (teamed with a Mora 510, of course!
).Silky PB130 has solid lockup, with no noticeable bladeplay (may be loosened/tightened); teeth are very sharp and go through material much faster than the Fiskars, even though the blade is shorter. It also comes with a plastic case with included belt attachment option; blades are interchangeable, for new sharpness, or different XS-XL sized teeth. I think Dale (or someone), in another thread, said their Silky 130 felt like a real quality tool, and I would agree.
Pocketboy 170 might be a consideration, balancing if you'd like a little extra length and how you'll be carrying it, more or less. I would have gotten one of these, if the store I ordered from stocked them, but I don't feel the least bit under-sawed
Fiskars packs up in less space & weight (I believe, not sure, approx half-weight of Silky 130). I've never been disappointed with it, and have got plenty of good use out of it; although it has taken a backseat since receiving the Silkies, and I was always conscious not to push it. Teeth do not seem as sharp, doesn't start a cut as easily, and are not impulse-hardened tips. Lockup is far from solid, but being retractable, it won't collapse on your fingers. Slight trade-off in time/energy invested vs speed of cut.
In a woods kit, the Fiskars retractable saw and a Mora weigh less than a Leatherman Wave, and seem to get more use in that situation, for me personally. Fiskars is very inexpensive at $10 shipped, and I would suggest that to begin with/in addition, until you really lock in on what would work.
Fiskars Folding saw, as opposed to Retractable, I view much less favorably, and would not personally recommend; construction seems more solid, but greater difficulty in starting and completing cuts, with a coarse/ragged finish. Seemingly much less effective at a greater size/weight.
The Opinel saw Powernoodle posted has been catching my eye for a long time now, too! I will need to remember to capture one, one day. Not sure where to find that version, and not the larger one at SMKW. It definitely is the looker of the bunch, and the one most likely to gain character quickly from modification, use, or otherwise; lightweight, I'd guess. Unfortunately, the idea of your blade/saw getting wet and swelling into effectively locked in closed position is not favorable, and would likely use this one in a backup role, just because I like it :foot:
lambertiana
Gold Member
- Joined
- Jul 7, 2000
- Messages
- 9,917
I have a Silky Pocketboy 130 and the Opinel saw, both work well.
The older style Gerber that they used to sell about 15 years ago was also a great saw.
The older style Gerber that they used to sell about 15 years ago was also a great saw.
- Joined
- Jun 9, 2006
- Messages
- 5,525
where's the best place to buy one of these Silkies?? They look like good Saws. Gene
- Joined
- Jun 19, 2006
- Messages
- 103
NorCalHunter seems to be the master-herald of everything Silky
(thanks for the initial tip-off!), so he'd probably have a more complete answer/experience, as to where to purchase.
Not saying the following is the best place, but it is the only place I purchased mine: (Pocketboy 130 & BigBoy 2000) from BenMeadows.com, when they had a 17% off all Silky saws. Fees were higher than other e-stores, due to the inclusion of Tax (I don't think their store is in my state, NY, tho I could be wrong), yet price was lower, even after fee-calculation. Not the full selection of Silky saws though, as I would have liked to purchase a Pocketboy 170. The 17% Silky sale is over, but they've sent a 10% 'off next order within 30 days' coupon, which is a half-step in the direction, kind'a.
I found them via Google Web (not Shopping, which only brought up a handful of stores), within the first page or two. Order was smooth so no real experience of customer service. I'm not associated with BenMeadows, and would have probably shopped elsewhere if they didn't have the 17% sale, in order to purchase the 170 as opposed to the 130, but no biggy.
(thanks for the initial tip-off!), so he'd probably have a more complete answer/experience, as to where to purchase.Not saying the following is the best place, but it is the only place I purchased mine: (Pocketboy 130 & BigBoy 2000) from BenMeadows.com, when they had a 17% off all Silky saws. Fees were higher than other e-stores, due to the inclusion of Tax (I don't think their store is in my state, NY, tho I could be wrong
), yet price was lower, even after fee-calculation. Not the full selection of Silky saws though, as I would have liked to purchase a Pocketboy 170. The 17% Silky sale is over, but they've sent a 10% 'off next order within 30 days' coupon, which is a half-step in the direction, kind'a.I found them via Google Web (not Shopping, which only brought up a handful of stores), within the first page or two. Order was smooth so no real experience of customer service. I'm not associated with BenMeadows, and would have probably shopped elsewhere if they didn't have the 17% sale, in order to purchase the 170 as opposed to the 130, but no biggy.
- Joined
- Jan 17, 2008
- Messages
- 2,422
Baileys, Wesspur, Ben Meadows, Gemplers, Amazon, A.M Leo and Silkystore all sell Silkys. You can also find a few Ma and Pa sites that sell them. Take a look around and you may find one of those places having a sale.
- Joined
- Sep 29, 2002
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- 2,965
No, but the larger teeth work better on green wood, smaller on dry.
Next time you're in a hardware store, compare the teeth on a carpenters saw and a pruning saw. A bit extreme, but it will give you an idea.
Rob